World Cup Watch Parties in DC

Free World Cup 2026 Watch Parties in DC

With the 2026 World Cup happening across North America, DC United is running free outdoor watch parties on two weekends in June, and they've built them with families in mind. The first runs June 12-14 at Franklin Park downtown; the second moves to Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard from June 19-21. Big screens carry the live matches, and around them there's youth soccer, food vendors, and music. Gates usually open around noon.

This is an easy one even if your kids don't follow soccer yet. The energy of a crowd watching a match is its own thing, and the youth soccer activities give younger kids something to do when their attention drifts from the screen. It's free and open to the public, though you'll want to register in advance since space is capped. Match times run into the evening, so for younger kids the early afternoon games are the better bet.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Register in advance: These are free but capped. Signing up online beforehand means you won't get turned away if a session fills up.
• ✓Pick an early afternoon match for little kids: Evening games run late. The early slots after gates open are a better fit for nap schedules and bedtimes.
• ✓Bring a ball: With youth soccer activities on site, a kid who brings their own ball tends to find a game. It also burns energy between matches.
• ✓Sun protection for open plazas: Both venues are open and shade is limited. Hats, sunscreen, and water bottles make a midday match much more pleasant.
• ✓Check the match schedule before you pick a day: The two weekends feature different games. A quick look at which teams play when helps you choose the day that'll hold your family's interest.
• ✓Plan around food lines: Vendors are there but back up at halftime. Eating a little before the rush, or packing snacks for the kids, avoids the wait-and-meltdown problem.